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Community College: Affordable way to begin your dream

Two years college can help students improve English and academic skills, save money and get used to US education and American’s lifestyles. American community colleges offer associate programs at much cheaper entry tuition on freshman and sophomore level classes, often with the accepted credits of an easier transition to a traditional four year school to earn their bachelor’s degree.

The Pros of Community College

With a downturn economy and a high unemployment rate, community colleges are gradually becoming a main competitor against four year colleges, saving a lot of students thousands of dollars. International students must be taking advantage of this system of community college. They have the opportunity of renting apartment closer to school and even apply to work on-campus, while paying the reduced tuition, making education even more comfortable and affordable. For example, the University of Massachusetts- Boston estimates tuition & fees and living expenses for an international undergraduate student at $28,906 for the school year of 2015. If the students spend the first two years at Quincy College in Quincy, MA, and then 2 years at University of Massachusetts –Boston, the students still transfer with over 50 accepted credits and graduate with a University of Massachusetts degree, but saves over $20,000. Moreover, smaller class sizes that allow for more personalized instruction, a particular boon for international students who might worry about the culture shock, English level and the academic performance at a four year college. A flexible schedule at community college that provides both day and night courses for foreign students who must work 20 hours/week during their college experience. Last but not least, open admission policies at many schools that allow international students who did not perform well in high-school the opportunity to pursue a higher education.

Funding for Community College

When trying to pay for community college tuition & fees, international students first need to think about scholarships. There are a number of organizations that have scholarships available for international students; it’s just a matter of taking the time to find them. Scholarships can be awarded by your school of interest, or through another organization like a business, club or government. When you apply for admissions at your school of interest, ask your international student counselor or an admissions representative of any scholarship opportunities that they are aware of that you might be eligible for. They will be able to direct you to any scholarships your school offers along with outside awards that they are familiar with. You can either by yourself to start digging in through www.internationalstudent.com/scholarships/ to learn what criteria or documents these are required for you to apply. These might include an essay, transcripts, outside activities awards, and letter of recommendation.

How to know your courses transfer?

Using Transferology tools, a national-wide network designed to help students explore their college transfer options. It helps save students’ time and money by providing a quick, intuitive way of getting their college transfer credit questions answered.

Students can add coursework, exams, and/or learning experiences to see how many schools in the Transferology network have matching courses that may be awarded when they transfer. They can also find out what their options are for taking classes over the summer (or whenever) at another school to transfer back to their current school by using the “Find a Replacement Course” feature.

Greenhandshake could be a truly helping hand in some certain areas during your community college experience. Stay with Greenhandshake for more valuable sources and explore the How it Works page (http://greenhandshake.com/how_it_works) so you can start immediately in posting your tasks.